Rooms, Rtae Per Person

Best of Turkey Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Departure

Few other cities in the world blend the history and cultures of east and west without stepping out of character. Today you step off the plane and into the tapestry that is Istanbul. Revel in the moment. Upon your arrival you will find friendly DST representative awaiting to chauffer you to your hotel. Freshen up and hit the town or relax and recoup from your travels…you are after all…on vacation. There are no formally planned excursions on arrival day, so feel free to explore and wander the streets of Istanbul…the city of two continents.

Let’s hit the sites! Today is your day to capture memories in every single landmark Istanbul visitors come to brag about. The city itself is modern and classic; from electric cable cars to cobble stone streets Istanbul is a place like no other. Among the most unique characteristics of the city you will see a skyline of domes and minarets. The city itself sits on the Bosphorus creating a majestic scene of lush rolling city hills tapering off to the edge of the sea. The tour itself includes highlights of the Islamic Heritage of the city with sites such as the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)- the residence of Ottoman sultans for almost four centuries and the Aya Sopia – the legacy of both the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires.

After 2 nights in iconic Istanbul DST will take you to Bursa. A little over 200km from Istanbul Bursa is much less metropolitan and will give you your first glimpse of life outside the big city. Although it is no Istanbul, Bursa boasts historically impressive Ottoman sites such as the Ulu Cami (the largest mosque in Basra also known as the Grand Mosque) and the Green Mosque. The Green Mosque is said to be one of the best examples of wood and marble craftsmanship and calligraphy in all of Anatolia. After a full day of travel and sightseeing you will spend the night in Bursa.

The next destination on the itinerary is Konya; known as the resting place of the well-known poet and theologian Rumi and birthplace of theWhirling Dervishes. At the centre of the Seljuk Empire no Turkish itinerary would be complete without an overnight in Konya.

In route to our next city the tour will stop for a visit at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a famous trading post on the historic Silk Road. Even more unbelievable is the day’s second stop – the Underground city of Kaymakli. The underground city constructed of nearly 100 underground passages and tunnels has the first four floors open to tourists. After a memorable day of travel to Cappadocia DST offers an optional Whirling Dervishes show.

As Cappadocia sits in the middle of what was once a very active volcano region it is a visually magical place with unique geological features which the tour guide will be sure to point out throughout the day. Locals carved out homes and churches hollowed out of volcanic ash all throughout Cappadocia. Keep a look out for hot air balloon riders as Cappadocia is home to one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the world and local tours are offered by balloon. After lunch at the famous local food market most tourists are given demonstrations of how local pottery and carpet are made. Tourists often take advantage of the artisan work available to them after the demonstrations.

After a week of sightseeing in the heart of Anatolia DST will head back to Istanbul for one last adventure…at sea. The Bosphorus cruise is the perfect last day activity as it will leave you with breath-taking views of Istanbul. After the cruise you will have an opportunity to visit the Suleymaniye Mosque and your last chance for shopping at the Grand Bazaar.

After a week of unforgettable memory making its time to return home. DST will arrange for your trip to the airport. Once safely home we highly recommend you start planning for your next Getaway with DST!